Kieran Tierney fighting for Arsenal future as new deal agreed – pundit
Granit Xhaka and Keiran Tierney’s place in the Arsenal starting XI will be under pressure when they complete the signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker claimed Zinchenko will take Xhaka’s place in midfield and will slot in at left-back if Tierney is injured.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday (19 July) that a £30million deal is in place between Arsenal and Man City for the 25-year-old.
It is claimed the Gunners are preparing official contracts and are scheduling a medical for the Ukraine international.
“I think it’s a great deal,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“£30million at 25, with the Premier League titles that he’s won and he’s got the experience of winning.
“He’s versatile. I watched him against Wales and Scotland, in the World Cup play-offs and he was very good in midfield. He has a range of passing, gets into those little holes.
“It’s going to pressurise Tierney at left-back. Tierney’s had a lot of injuries so you need cover at left-back and Tavares isn’t good enough.
“Also, if Tierney’s fit then I feel like Zinchenko gets into midfield. I’d play him ahead of Xhaka in certain games.
“I don’t feel like Zinchenko’s come in to Arsenal to be cover, he’s come to play. Whether it’s at left-back or in midfield, I feel he will start.”
Zinchenko has won four Premier League titles, four League Cups and an FA Cup while at Man City.
Of his 127 appearances across all competitions for City, 99 of them have been as a starter.
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